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NewsFlash

April 1, 2020

NewsFlash

April 1, 2020

Dallas County reports 100 new positive COVID-19 cases

As of 10 a.m. April 1, 2020, DCHHS is reporting 100 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total case count in Dallas County to 731. The 14th and 15th deaths from COVID-19 are being reported, including a man in his 50’s who was a resident of the city of Mesquite, and a woman in her 80’s who was a resident of the city of Garland. These individuals had been critically ill in area hospitals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Staying at home when you are sick, except to seek medical care.

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Help young children to do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve or your elbow, not your hands.

Census Day in America

April 1 is Census Day in America - a key reference date for the 2020 Census. When you respond to the Census, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020, and include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home. Please respond as soon as you can.

Responses for the 2020 Census can be made online, by phone, or by mail. When responding online, you will be prompted to enter your unique Census ID. This ID number acts like a PIN and can be found on the Census Bureau invitation to respond. However, if you do not have this ID number, you can also respond by using your address.

If you are a local business and need assistance, please click this button for a list of resources.

Amended and executive Orders: March 31

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins amended the shelter-in-place Order on March 31, adding language for laboratory reporting, safety rules for essential businesses, and language clarifying that COVID-19 causes property loss or damage.

Judge Jenkins also issued an executive Order that orders all Dallas County departments in possession of unused or unneeded medical equipment and supplies to provide the unused or unneeded medical equipment and supplies to nursing homes, long term care facilities, organizations serving homeless individuals, and hospitals in Dallas County. This Order exempts departments that are in possession of equipment and supplies that are needed for Dallas County’s ongoing operations. It is also ordered that Dallas County departments who receive a donation of medical supplies or equipment to immediately notify the Dallas County Emergency Operations Center.

Summary of Changes: March 31 amended Order

1. Added Laboratory Reporting Language

All public, private, and commercial laboratories operating within Dallas County and performing CVID-19 testing shall report by 5:00 p.m. each day for the prior 24-hour period:

i. The number of COVID-19 tests performed; andii. The number of positive COVID-19 tests.

2. Added Safety Rules for Essential Retailers

All essential retail establishments, including grocery stores, gas stations, and pet supplies stores must follow the safety rules set out in Exhibit A (see Order below)